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The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Annex 1A

Agreement on the Military Aspects of the Peace


Settlement

The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
and the Republika Srpska (hereinafter the "Parties") have agreed as follows:

Article I: General Obligations

1. The Parties undertake to recreate as quickly as possible normal conditions of


life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They understand that this requires a major
contribution on their part in which they will make strenuous efforts to
cooperate with each other and with the international organizations and
agencies which are assisting them on the ground. They welcome the
willingness of the international community to send to the region, for a period
of approximately one year, a force to assist in implementation of the
territorial and other militarily related provisions of the agreement as
described herein.
a. The United Nations Security Council is invited to adopt a resolution by
which it will authorize Member States or regional organizations and
arrangements to establish a multinational military Implementation
Force (hereinafter "IFOR"). The Parties understand and agree that this
Implementation Force may be composed of ground, air and maritime
units from NATO and non- NATO nations, deployed to Bosnia and
Herzegovina to help ensure compliance with the provisions of this
Agreement (hereinafter "Annex"). The Parties understand and agree
that the IFOR will begin the implementation of the military aspects of
this Annex upon the transfer of authority from the UNPROFOR
Commander to the IFOR Commander (hereinafter "Transfer of
Authority"), and that until the Transfer of Authority, UNPROFOR will
continue to exercise its mandate.
b. It is understood and agreed that NATO may establish such a force,
which will operate under the authority and subject to the direction and
political control of the North Atlantic Council ("NAC") through the NATO
chain of command. They undertake to facilitate its operations. The
Parties, therefore, hereby agree and freely undertake to fully comply
with all obligations set forth in this Annex.
c. It is understood and agreed that other States may assist in
implementing the military aspects of this Annex. The Parties
understand and agree that the modalities of those States' participation
will be the subject of agreement between such participating States and
NATO.
2. The purposes of these obligations are as follows:
a. to establish a durable cessation of hostilities. Neither Entity shall
threaten or use force against the other Entity, and under no
circumstances shall any armed forces of either Entity enter into or stay
within the territory of the other Entity without the consent of the
government of the latter and of the Presidency of Bosnia and
Herzegovina. All armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina shall operate
consistently with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and
Herzegovina;
b. to provide for the support and authorization of the IFOR and in
particular to authorize the IFOR to take such actions as required,
including the use of necessary force, to ensure compliance with this
Annex, and to ensure its own protection; and
c. to establish lasting security and arms control measures as outlined in
Annex 1-B to the General Framework Agreement, which aim to
promote a permanent reconciliation between all Parties and to
facilitate the achievement of all political arrangements agreed to in the
General Framework Agreement.
3. The Parties understand and agree that within Bosnia and Herzegovina the
obligations undertaken in this Annex shall be applied equally within both
Entities. Both Entities shall be held equally responsible for compliance
herewith, and both shall be equally subject to such enforcement action by the
IFOR as may be necessary to ensure implementation of this Annex and the
protection of the IFOR.

Article II: Cessation of Hostilities

1. The Parties shall comply with the cessation of hostilities begun with the
agreement of October 5, 1995 and shall continue to refrain from all offensive
operations of any type against each other. An offensive operation in this case
is an action that includes projecting forces or fire forward of a Party's own
lines. Each Party shall ensure that all personnel and organizations with
military capability under its control or within territory under its control,
including armed civilian groups, national guards, army reserves, military
police, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs Special Police (MUP) (hereinafter
"Forces") comply with this Annex. The term "Forces" does not include
UNPROFOR, the International Police Task Force referred to in the General
Framework Agreement, the IFOR or other elements referred to in Article I,
paragraph 1 (c).
2. In carrying out the obligations set forth in paragraph 1, the Parties undertake,
in particular, to cease the firing of all weapons and explosive devices except
as authorized by this Annex. The Parties shall not place any additional
minefields, barriers, or protective obstacles. They shall not engage in
patrolling, ground or air reconnaissance forward of their own force positions,
or into the Zones of Separation as provided for in Article IV below, without
IFOR approval.
3. The Parties shall provide a safe and secure environment for all persons in
their respective jurisdictions, by maintaining civilian law enforcement
agencies operating in accordance with internationally recognized standards
and with respect for internationally recognized human rights and fundamental
freedoms, and by taking such other measures as appropriate. The Parties also
commit themselves to disarm and disband all armed civilian groups, except
for authorized police forces, within 30 days after the Transfer of Authority.
4. The Parties shall cooperate fully with any international personnel including
investigators, advisors, monitors, observers, or other personnel in Bosnia and
Herzegovina pursuant to the General Framework Agreement, including
facilitating free and unimpeded access and movement and by providing such
status as is necessary for the effective conduct of their tasks.
5. The Parties shall strictly avoid committing any reprisals, counter-attacks, or
any unilateral actions in response to violations of this Annex by another Party.
The Parties shall respond to alleged violations of the provisions of this Annex
through the procedures provided in Article VIII.

Article III: Withdrawal of Foreign Forces

1. All Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina as of the date this Annex enters into
force which are not of local origin, whether or not they are legally and
militarily subordinated to the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Republika Srpska, shall be
withdrawn together with their equipment from the territory of Bosnia and
Herzegovina within thirty (30) days. Furthermore, all Forces that remain on
the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina must act consistently with the
territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Bosnia and
Herzegovina. In accordance with Article II, paragraph 1, this paragraph does
not apply to UNPROFOR, the International Police Task Force referred to in the
General Framework Agreement, the IFOR or other elements referred to in
Article I, paragraph 1 (c).
2. In particular, all foreign Forces, including individual advisors, freedom
fighters, trainers, volunteers, and personnel from neighboring and other
States, shall be withdrawn from the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina in
accordance with Article III, paragraph 1.

Article IV: Redeployment of Forces

The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Entities shall redeploy their Forces
in three phases:

Phase I

The Parties immediately after this Annex enters into force shall begin promptly and
proceed steadily to withdraw all Forces behind a Zone of Separation which shall be
established on either side of the Agreed Cease-Fire Line that represents a clear and
distinct demarcation between any and all opposing Forces. This withdrawal shall be
completed within thirty (30) days after the Transfer of Authority. The precise Agreed
Cease-Fire Line and Agreed Cease- Fire Zone of Separation are indicated on the
maps at Appendix A of this Annex.

The Agreed Cease-Fire Zone of Separation shall extend for a distance of


approximately two (2) kilometers on either side of the Agreed Cease-Fire Line. No
weapons other than those of the IFOR are permitted in this Agreed Cease-Fire Zone
of Separation except as provided herein. No individual may retain or possess any
military weapons or explosives within this four kilometer Zone without specific
approval of the IFOR. Violators of this provision shall be subject to military action by
the IFOR, including the use of necessary force to ensure compliance.
In addition to the other provisions of this Annex, the following specific provisions
shall also apply to Sarajevo and Gorazde:

Sarajevo

Within seven (7) days after the Transfer of Authority, the Parties shall transfer and
vacate selected positions along the Agreed Cease- Fire Line according to instructions
to be issued by the IFOR Commander.

The Parties shall complete withdrawal from the Agreed Cease-Fire Zone of
Separation in Sarajevo within thirty (30) days after the Transfer of Authority, in
accordance with Article IV, paragraph 2. The width of this Zone of Separation will be
approximately one (l) kilometer on either side of the Agreed Cease-Fire Line.
However, this Zone of Separation may be adjusted by the IFOR Commander either to
narrow the Zone of Separation?to take account of the urban area of Sarajevo or to
widen the Zone of Separation up to two (2) kilometers on either side of the Agreed
Cease-Fire Line to take account of more open terrain.

Within the Agreed Cease-Fire Zone of Separation, no individual may retain or


possess any weapons or explosives, other than a member of the IFOR or the local
police exercising official duties as authorized by the IFOR in accordance with Article
IV, paragraph 2(b).

The Parties understand and agree that violators of subparagraphs (1), (2) and (3)
above shall be subject to military action by the IFOR, including the use of necessary
force to ensure compliance.

Gorazde

The Parties understand and agree that a two lane all-weather road will be
constructed in the Gorazde Corridor. Until such road construction is complete, the
two interim routes will be used by both Entities.

The Grid coordinates for these alternate routes are (Map References: Defense
Mapping Agency 1:50,000 Topographic Line Maps, Series M709, Sheets 2782-1,
2782-2, 2782-3, 2782-4, 2881-4, 2882-1, 2882-2, 2882-3, and 2882-4; Military
Grid Reference System grid coordinates referenced to World Geodetic System 84
(Horizontal Datum):

Interim Route 1: From Gorazde (34TCP361365), proceed northeast following


Highway 5 along the Drina River to the Ustipraca area (34TCP456395). At that point,
proceed north on Highway 19-3 through Rogatica (34TCP393515) continuing
northwest past Stienice (34TCP294565) to the road intersection at Podromanija
(34TCP208652). From this point, proceed west following Highway 19 to where it
enters the outskirts of Sarajevo (34TBP950601).

Interim Route 2: From Gorazde (34TCP361365), proceed south following Highway


20. Follow Highway 20 through Ustinkolina (34TCP218281). Continue south following
Highway 20 passing Foca along the west bank of the Drina River (34TCP203195) to a
point (34TCP175178) where the route turns west following Highway 18. From this
point, follow Highway 18 south of Miljevina (34TCP097204) continuing through
Trnovo (34TBP942380) north to the outskirts of Sarajevo where it enters the town at
Vaskovici (34TBP868533).

There shall be complete freedom of movement along these routes for civilian traffic.
The Parties shall only utilize these interim routes for military forces and equipment
as authorized by and under the control and direction of the IFOR. In this regard, and
in order to reduce the risk to civilian traffic, the IFOR shall have the right to manage
movement of military and civilian traffic from both Entities along these routes.

The Parties understand and agree that violators of subparagraph (1) shall be subject
to military action by the IFOR, including the use of necessary force to ensure
compliance.

The Parties pledge as a confidence building measure that they shall not locate any
Forces or heavy weapons as defined in paragraph 5 of this Article within two (2)
kilometers of the designated interim routes. Where those routes run in or through
the designated Zones of Separation, the provisions relating to Zones of Separation in
this Annex shall also apply.

The Parties immediately after this Annex enters into force shall begin promptly and
proceed steadily to complete the following activities within thirty (30) days after the
Transfer of Authority or as determined by the IFOR Commander: (1) remove,
dismantle or destroy all mines, unexploded ordnance, explosive devices, demolitions,
and barbed or razor wire from the Agreed Cease-Fire Zone of Separation or other
areas from which their Forces are withdrawn; (2) mark all known mine
emplacements, unexploded ordnance, explosive devices and demolitions within
Bosnia and Herzegovina; and (3) remove, dismantle or destroy all mines,
unexploded ordnance, explosive devices and demolitions as required by the IFOR
Commander.

The IFOR is authorized to direct that any military personnel, active or reserve, who
reside within the Agreed Cease-Fire Zone of Separation register with the appropriate
IFOR Command Post referred to in Article VI which is closest to their residence.

PHASE II (AS REQUIRED IN SPECIFIC LOCATIONS)

This phase applies to those locations where the Inter-Entity Boundary Line does not
follow the Agreed Cease-Fire Line.

In those locations in which, pursuant to the General Framework Agreement, areas


occupied by one Entity are to be transferred to another Entity, all Forces of the
withdrawing Entity shall have forty-five (45) days after the Transfer of Authority to
completely vacate and clear this area. This shall include the removal of all Forces as
well as the removal, dismantling or destruction of equipment, mines, obstacles,
unexploded ordnance, explosive devices, demolitions, and weapons. In those areas
being transferred to a different Entity, in order to provide an orderly period of
transition, the Entity to which an area is transferred shall not put Forces in this area
for ninety (90) days after the Transfer of Authority or as determined by the IFOR
Commander. The Parties understand and agree that the IFOR shall have the right to
provide the military security for these transferred areas from thirty (30) days after
the Transfer of Authority until ninety-one (91) days after the Transfer of Authority,
or as soon as possible as determined by the IFOR Commander, when these areas
may be occupied by the Forces of the Entity to which they are transferred. Upon
occupation by the Entity to which the area is transferred, a new Zone of Separation
along the Inter-Entity Boundary Line as indicated on the map at Appendix A shall be
established by the IFOR, and the Parties shall observe the same limitations on the
presence of Forces and weapons in this Zone as apply to the Agreed Cease-Fire Zone
of Separation.

The IFOR is authorized to direct that any military personnel, active or reserve, who
reside within the Inter-Entity Zone of Separation register with the appropriate IFOR
Command Post referred to in Article VI which is closest to their residence.

GENERAL. The following provisions apply to Phases I and II:

a. In order to provide visible indication, the IFOR shall supervise the selective
marking of the Agreed Cease-Fire Line and its Zone of Separation, and the
Inter-Entity Boundary Line and its Zone of Separation. Final authority for
placement of such markers shall rest with the IFOR. All Parties understand
and agree that the Agreed Cease-Fire Line and its Zone of Separation and the
Inter-Entity Boundary Line and its Zone of Separation are defined by the
maps and documents agreed to as part of the General Framework Agreement
and not the physical location of markers.
b. All Parties understand and agree that they shall be subject to military action
by the IFOR, including the use of necessary force to ensure compliance, for:
1. failure to remove all their Forces and unauthorized weapons from the
four (4) kilometer Agreed Cease-Fire Zone of Separation within thirty
(30) days after the Transfer of Authority, as provided in Article IV,
paragraph 2(a) and (b) above;
2. failure to vacate and clear areas being transferred to another Entity
within forty-five (45) days after the Transfer of Authority, as provided
in Article IV, paragraph 3(a) above;
3. deploying Forces within areas transferred from another Entity earlier
than ninety (90) days after the Transfer of Authority or as determined
by the IFOR Commander, as provided in Article IV, paragraph 3(a)
above;
4. failure to keep all Forces and unauthorized weapons outside the Inter-
Entity Zone of Separation after this Zone is declared in effect by the
IFOR, as provided in Article IV, paragraph 3(a) above; or
5. violation of the cessation of hostilities as agreed to by the Parties in
Article II.
PHASE III

The Parties pledge as confidence building measures that they shall:

1. within 120 days after the Transfer of Authority withdraw all heavy weapons
and Forces to cantonment/barracks areas or other locations as designated by
the IFOR Commander. "Heavy weapons" refers to all tanks and armored
vehicles, all artillery 75 mm and above, all mortars 81 mm and above, and all
anti-aircraft weapons 20 mm and above. This movement of these Forces to
cantonment/barracks areas is intended to enhance mutual confidence by the
Parties in the success of this Annex and help the overall cause of peace in
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. within 120 days after the Transfer of Authority demobilize Forces which
cannot be accommodated in cantonment/barracks areas as provided in
subparagraph (a) above. Demobilization shall consist of removing from the
possession of these personnel all weapons, including individual weapons,
explosive devices, communications equipment, vehicles, and all other military
equipment. All personnel belonging to these Forces shall be released from
service and shall not engage in any further training or other military activities.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Annex, the Parties understand and agree
that the IFOR has the right and is authorized to compel the removal, withdrawal, or
relocation of specific Forces and weapons from, and to order the cessation of any
activities in, any location in Bosnia and Herzegovina whenever the IFOR determines
such Forces, weapons or activities to constitute a threat or potential threat to either
the IFOR or its mission, or to another Party. Forces failing to redeploy, withdraw,
relocate, or to cease threatening or potentially threatening activities following such a
demand by the IFOR shall be subject to military action by the IFOR, including the use
of necessary force to ensure compliance, consistent with the terms set forth in Article
I, paragraph 3.

Article V: Notifications

1. Immediately upon establishment of the Joint Military Commission provided for


in Article VIII, each Party shall furnish to the Joint Military Commission
information regarding the positions and descriptions of all known unexploded
ordnance, explosive devices, demolitions, minefields, booby traps, wire
entanglements, and all other physical or military hazards to the safe
movement of any personnel within Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the
location of lanes through the Agreed Cease-Fire Zone of Separation which are
free of all such hazards. The Parties shall keep the Joint Military Commission
updated on changes in this information.
2. Within thirty (30) days after the Transfer of Authority, each Party shall furnish
to the Joint Military Commission the following specific information regarding
the status of its Forces within Bosnia and Herzegovina and shall keep the
Joint Military Commission updated on changes in this information:
a. location, type, strengths of personnel and weaponry of all Forces
within ten (10) kilometers of the Agreed Cease-Fire Line and Inter-
Entity Boundary Line.
b. maps depicting the forward line of troops and front lines;
c. positions and descriptions of fortifications, minefields, unexploded
ordnance, explosive devices, demolitions, barriers, and other man-
made obstacles, ammunition dumps, command headquarters, and
communications networks within ten (10) kilometers of the Agreed
Cease-Fire Line or Inter-Entity Boundary Line;
d. positions and descriptions of all surface to air missiles/launchers,
including mobile systems, anti- aircraft artillery, supporting radars and
associated command and control systems;
e. positions and descriptions of all mines, unexploded ordnance,
explosive devices, demolitions, obstacles, weapons systems, vehicles,
or any other military equipment which cannot be removed, dismantled
or destroyed under the provisions of Article IV, paragraphs 2(d) and
3(a); and
f. any further information of a military nature as requested by the IFOR.
3. Within 120 days after the Transfer of Authority, the Parties shall furnish to the
Joint Military Commission the following specific information regarding the
status of their Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina and shall keep the Joint
Military Commission updated on changes in this information:
a. location, type, strengths of personnel and weaponry of all Forces;
b. maps depicting the information in sub-paragraph (a) above;
c. positions and descriptions of fortifications, minefields, unexploded
ordnance, explosive devices, demolitions, barriers, and other man-
made obstacles, ammunition dumps, command headquarters, and
communications networks; and
d. any further information of a military nature as requested by the IFOR.

Article VI: Deployment of the Implementation Force

Recognizing the need to provide for the effective implementation of the provisions of
this Annex, and to ensure compliance, the United Nations Security Council is invited
to authorize Member States or regional organizations and arrangements to establish
the IFOR acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The Parties
understand and agree that this Implementation Force may be composed of ground,
air and maritime units from NATO and non-NATO nations, deployed to Bosnia and
Herzegovina to help ensure compliance with the provisions of this Annex. The Parties
understand and agree that the IFOR shall have the right to deploy on either side of
the Inter-Entity Boundary Line and throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Parties understand and agree that the IFOR shall have the right:

1. to monitor and help ensure compliance by all Parties with this Annex
(including, in particular, withdrawal and redeployment of Forces within agreed
periods, and the establishment of Zones of Separation);
2. to authorize and supervise the selective marking of the Agreed Cease-Fire
Line and its Zone of Separation and the Inter-Entity Boundary Line and its
Zone of Separation as established by the General Framework Agreement;
3. to establish liaison arrangements with local civilian and military authorities
and other international organizations as necessary for the accomplishment of
its mission;
4. and to assist in the withdrawal of UN Peace Forces not transferred to the
IFOR, including, if necessary, the emergency withdrawal of UNCRO Forces.

The Parties understand and agree that the IFOR shall have the right to fulfill its
supporting tasks, within the limits of its assigned principal tasks and available
resources, and on request, which include the following:

1. to help create secure conditions for the conduct by others of other tasks
associated with the peace settlement, including free and fair elections;
2. to assist the movement of organizations in the accomplishment of
humanitarian missions;
3. to assist the UNHCR and other international organizations in their
humanitarian missions;
4. to observe and prevent interference with the movement of civilian
populations, refugees, and displaced persons, and to respond appropriately to
deliberate violence to life and person; and,
5. to monitor the clearing of minefields and obstacles.

The Parties understand and agree that further directives from the NAC may establish
additional duties and responsibilities for the IFOR in implementing this Annex.

The Parties understand and agree that the IFOR Commander shall have the
authority, without interference or permission of any Party, to do all that the
Commander judges necessary and proper, including the use of military force, to
protect the IFOR and to carry out the responsibilities listed above in paragraphs 2, 3
and 4, and they shall comply in all respects with the IFOR requirements.

The Parties understand and agree that in carrying out its responsibilities, the IFOR
shall have the unimpeded right to observe, monitor, and inspect any Forces, facility
or activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina that the IFOR believes may have military
capability. The refusal, interference, or denial by any Party of this right to observe,
monitor, and inspect by the IFOR shall constitute a breach of this Annex and the
violating Party shall be subject to military action by the IFOR, including the use of
necessary force to ensure compliance with this Annex.

The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Croat Defense Council
Forces, and the Army of Republika Srpska shall establish Command Posts at IFOR
brigade, battalion, or other levels which shall be co-located with specific IFOR
command Vocations, as determined by the IFOR Commander. These Command Posts
shall exercise command and control over all Forces of their respective sides which
are located within ten (10) kilometers of the Agreed Cease-Fire Line or Inter-Entity
Boundary Line, as specified by the IFOR. The Command Posts shall provide, at the
request of the IFOR, timely status reports on organizations and troop levels in their
areas.

In addition to co-located Command Posts, the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, the Croat Defense Council Forces, and the Army of Republika Srpska
shall maintain liaison teams to be co-located with the IFOR Command, as determined
by the IFOR Commander, for the purpose of fostering communication, and
preserving the overall cessation of hostilities.

Air and surface movements in Bosnia and Herzegovina shall be governed by the
following provisions:

1. The IFOR shall have complete and unimpeded freedom of movement by


ground, air, and water throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. It shall have the
right to bivouac, maneuver, billet, and utilize any areas or facilities to carry
out its responsibilities as required for its support, training, and operations,
with such advance notice as may be practicable. The IFOR and its personnel
shall not be liable for any damages to civilian or government property caused
by combat or combat related activities. Roadblocks, checkpoints or other
impediments to IFOR freedom of movement shall constitute a breach of this
Annex and the violating Party shall be subject to military action by the IFOR,
including the use of necessary force to ensure compliance with this Annex.
2. The IFOR Commander shall have sole authority to establish rules and
procedures governing command and control of airspace over Bosnia and
Herzegovina to enable civilian air traffic and non- combat air activities by the
military or civilian authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or if necessary to
terminate civilian air traffic and non- combat air activities.

The Parties understand and agree there shall be no military air traffic, or non-
military aircraft performing military missions, including reconnaissance or
logistics, without the express permission of the IFOR Commander. The only
military aircraft that may be authorized to fly in Bosnia and Herzegovina are
those being flown in support of the IFOR, except with the express permission
of the IFOR. Any flight activities by military fixed- wing or helicopter aircraft
within Bosnia and Herzegovina without the express permission of the IFOR
Commander are subject to military action by the IFOR, including the use of
necessary force to ensure compliance.

All air early warning, air defense, or fire control radars shall be shut down
within 72 hours after this Annex enters into force, and shall remain inactive
unless authorized by the IFOR Commander. Any use of air traffic, air early
warning, air defense or fire control radars not authorized by the IFOR
Commander shall constitute a breach of this Annex and the violating Party
shall be subject to military action by the IFOR, including the use of necessary
force to ensure compliance.

The Parties understand and agree that the IFOR Commander will implement
the transfer to civilian control of air space over Bosnia and Herzegovina to the
appropriate institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a gradual fashion
consistent with the objective of the IFOR to ensure smooth and safe operation
of an air traffic system upon IFOR departure.

3. The IFOR Commander is authorized to promulgate appropriate rules for the


control and regulation of surface military traffic throughout Bosnia and
Herzegovina, including the movement of the Forces of the Parties. The Joint
Military Commission referred to in Article VIII may assist in the development
and promulgation of rules related to military movement.

The IFOR shall have the right to utilize such means and services as required to
ensure its full ability to communicate and shall have the right to the unrestricted use
of all of the electromagnetic spectrum for this purpose. In implementing this right,
the IFOR shall make every reasonable effort to coordinate with and take into account
the needs and requirements of the appropriate authorities.

All Parties shall accord the IFOR and its personnel the assistance, privileges, and
immunities set forth at Appendix B of this Annex, including the unimpeded transit
through, to, over and on the territory of all Parties.
All Parties shall accord any military elements as referred to in Article I, paragraph
l(c) and their personnel the assistance, privileges and immunities referred to in
Article VI, paragraph 11.

Article VII: Withdrawal of UNPROFOR

It is noted that as a consequence of the forthcoming introduction of the IFOR into the
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the conditions for the withdrawal of the
UNPROFOR established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 743 have been
met. It is requested that the United Nations, in consultation with NATO, take all
necessary steps to withdraw the UNPROFOR from Bosnia and Herzegovina, except
those parts incorporated into the IFOR.

Article VIII: Establishment of a Joint Military Commission

A Joint Military Commission (the "Commission") shall be established with the


deployment of the IFOR to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Commission shall:

1. Serve as the central body for all Parties to this Annex to bring any military
complaints, questions, or problems that require resolution by the IFOR
Commander, such as allegations of cease-fire violations or other
noncompliance with this Annex.
2. Receive reports and agree on specific actions to ensure compliance with the
provisions of this Annex by the Parties.
3. Assist the IFOR Commander in determining and implementing a series of local
transparency measures between the Parties.

The Commission shall be chaired by the IFOR Commander or his or her


representative and consist of the following members:

1. the senior military commander of the forces of each Party within Bosnia and
Herzegovina;
2. other persons as the Chairman may determine;
3. each Party to this Annex may also select two civilians who shall advise the
Commission in carrying out its duties;
4. the High Representative referred to in the General Framework Agreement or
his or her nominated representative shall attend Commission meetings, and
offer advice particularly on matters of a political- military nature.

The Commission shall not include any persons who are now or who come under
indictment by the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

The Commission shall function as a consultative body for the IFOR Commander. To
the extent possible, problems shall be solved promptly by mutual agreement.
However, all final decisions concerning its military matters shall be made by the IFOR
Commander.
The Commission shall meet at the call of the IFOR Commander. The High
Representative may when necessary request a meeting of the Commission. The
Parties may also request a meeting of the Commission.
The IFOR Commander shall have the right to decide on military matters, in a timely
fashion, when there are overriding considerations relating to the safety of the IFOR
or the Parties' compliance with the provisions of this Annex.

The Commission shall establish subordinate military commissions for the purpose of
providing assistance in carrying out the functions described above. Such
commissions shall be at the brigade and battalion level or at other echelons as the
local IFOR Commander shall direct and be composed of commanders from each of
the Parties and the IFOR. The representative of the High Representative shall attend
and offer advice particularly on matters of a political-military nature. The local IFOR
Commander shall invite local civilian authorities when appropriate.

Appropriate liaison arrangements will be established between the IFOR Commander


and the High Representative to facilitate the discharge of their respective
responsibilities.

Article IX: Prisoner Exchanges

The Parties shall release and transfer without delay all combatants and civilians held
in relation to the conflict (hereinafter "prisoners"), in conformity with international
humanitarian law and the provisions of this Article.

1. The Parties shall be bound by and implement such plan for release and
transfer of all prisoners as may be developed by the ICRC, after consultation
with the Parties.
2. The Parties shall cooperate fully with the ICRC and facilitate its work in
implementing and monitoring the plan for release and transfer of prisoners.
3. No later than thirty (30) days after the Transfer of Authority, the Parties shall
release and transfer all prisoners held by them.
4. In order to expedite this process, no later than twenty-one (21) days after
this Annex enters into force, the Parties shall draw up comprehensive lists of
prisoners and shall provide such lists to the ICRC, to the other Parties, and to
the Joint Military Commission and the High Representative. These lists shall
identify prisoners by nationality, name, rank (if any) and any internment or
military serial number, to the extent applicable.
5. The Parties shall ensure that the ICRC enjoys full and unimpeded access to all
places where prisoners are kept and to all prisoners. The Parties shall permit
the ICRC to privately interview each prisoner at least forty-eight (48) hours
prior to his or her release for the purpose of implementing and monitoring the
plan, including determination of the onward destination of each prisoner.
6. The Parties shall take no reprisals against any prisoner or his/her family in the
event that a prisoner refuses to be transferred.
7. Notwithstanding the above provisions, each Party shall comply with any order
or request of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia for the
arrest, detention, surrender of or access to persons who would otherwise be
released and transferred under this Article, but who are accused of violations
within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal. Each Party must detain persons
reasonably suspected of such violations for a period of time sufficient to
permit appropriate consultation with Tribunal authorities.

In those cases where places of burial, whether individual or mass, are known as a
matter of record, and graves are actually found to exist, each Party shall permit
graves registration personnel of the other Parties to enter, within a mutually agreed
period of time, for the limited purpose of proceeding to such graves, to recover and
evacuate the bodies of deceased military and civilian personnel of that side, including
deceased prisoners.

Article X: Cooperation

The Parties shall cooperate fully with all entities involved in implementation of this
peace settlement, as described in the General Framework Agreement, or which are
otherwise authorized by the United Nations Security Council, including the
International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

Article XI: Notification to Military Commands

Each Party shall ensure that the terms of this Annex, and written orders requiring
compliance, are immediately communicated to all of its Forces.

Article XII: Final Authority to Interpret

In accordance with Article I, the IFOR Commander is the final authority in theatre
regarding interpretation of this agreement on the military aspects of the peace
settlement, of which the Appendices constitute an integral part.

Article XIII: Entry into Force

This Annex shall enter into force upon signature.

For the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina


For the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
For the Republika Srpska

Endorsed:

For the Republic of Croatia

Endorsed:

For the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

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